TANESCO cuts electricity losses to 14pc
DAR ES SALAAM: TANESCO has significantly reduced electricity losses over the past six years and is nearing the global standards, thanks to improvements in infrastructure.
The sole state power firm reduced losses from 21 per cent in 2018 to the current 14 per cent, just 5.0 per cent short of the global benchmark of 9.0 per cent electricity loss.
The Ministry of Energy’s Renewable Energy Commissioner, Eng Innocent Luoga, said yesterday ahead of the Regional Energy Efficiency Conference that improvements in infrastructure, transformers, ‘Luku’ meters and the quality of electrical appliances in the market played a key role in reducing electricity loss.
“Some firms’ mobilisation of energy efficiency initiatives and improvements in infrastructure have significantly contributed to reducing electricity loss in the country.
“The current level of loss is manageable as we continue to enhance our entire infrastructures” Eng Luoga, who represented the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Eng Felchesmi Mramba, told reporters.
Eng Luoga also said they have collaborated with Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) to up quality and standards for electric appliance on power usage.
“In this effort, we have collaborated with TBS to ensure that a wide range of household and industrial products, such as refrigerators, light bulbs, stoves, electric cookers, irons and other electrical appliances, meet the required standards,” said Mr Luoga.
“This has also helped reduce electrical faults, prevent energy wastage and improve overall efficiency.” The Regional Energy Efficiency Conference is scheduled to take place early next month in Arusha.
The conference expects to attract 400 participants from EAC and SADC countries and will dwell mainly on energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable economic growth.
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The UNDP Head of Energy, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Mr Abbas Kitogo said they remained committed to helping Tanzania achieve its energy efficiency targets by 2030 and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
“By promoting energy-efficient practices, we can reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a better climate,” Mr Kitogo said.
The Embassy of Ireland Deputy Head for Development Cooperation, Ms Mags Gaynor, said the conference will focus on climate change and gender equality.
“This event will empower women and girls, building their capacity and awareness of climate change,” she said, adding the Embassy is committed to supporting climate risk management and gender equality.
Initially, the EU Delegation to Tanzania’s Head of Natural Resources, Pedretti Massimiliano, said the conference would open new avenues for collaboration among energy stakeholders, governments, the private sector, youth, women and development partners, further advancing the “Sustainable Energy for All” agenda.
Meanwhile, the EU and UNDP are implementing 9.0 million euros energy efficiency project since 2022. The project is scheduled to be completed next year.
